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All-rounder Donovan Grobbelaar - who played a key role in the Aces winning the Georgie Pie Super Smash Twenty20 competition in December - said he is looking forward to getting stuck into the Ford Trophy and getting the ball rolling as quick as possible.

"I think it's a good format to play," he said. "I prefer white-ball cricket - it suits my game a little bit better."

Grobbelaar said it is always fun seeing people down at the Outer Oval and interacting with kids on the sideline.

"I think that's why the players play the game - to entertain people ... so it would be good to see, once we get back into Auckland, people turn up and just come and support and have some family fun.

"I really enjoy having people around the ground and the chat and banter that goes on on the rope. It's pretty good, too, even Aucklanders give you some stick."

In February, the Aces will play two home games, both Plunket Shield four-day matches starting at 10.30am.